Preliminary Infectious Disease Summary, Utah, June 2007

Disease Data and Graphics

A preliminary total number of confirmed and suspect cases for selected diseases, reported by Utah health districts, is provided below (Table I and Figure I). These numbers are subject to change upon the completion of ongoing disease investigations. "Suspect" cases are cases that may become confirmed upon final investigation or may be dismissed as a case when the investigation has been completed. Figure II represents the percent change in selected communicable disease incidence in 2007 when compared to a 5-year average.
Click on the disease names in the table to access their corresponding fact sheets. Click here for sexually transmitted disease epidemiologic data. Click here for AIDS/HIV epidemiologic data.

June 2007 Epidemiology Highlights

West Nile Virus
West Nile virus was detected in June for the first time this season. Mosquito pools from Salt Lake County and "sentinel" chickens from Duchesne and Davis counties have tested positive for the virus. In addition, one human infection was reported from Grand County during the month. No human deaths have been reported in Utah for the 2007 season. Click here for more information on West Nile virus.

Waterborne Disease Prevention
The number of reported waterborne diseases tend to increase during the summer months, many of which are due to the consumption of untreated water. Untreated water is water that has not been boiled, filtered, or disinfected with chemicals and may contain sewage or feces from humans or animals. Untreated water may be found in fountains, lakes, rivers, ponds, streams, sprinkler systems and garden hoses. Drinking or swallowing untreated water is a risk because many parasites, bacteria, and viruses can be present in the water. Even if untreated water appears clean, it can still be contaminated and cause illness.

To help prevent waterborne illnesses, people should not swallow or drink recreational water, and avoid water recreational areas that may be contaminated with human sewage or animal (including dog) feces. Additionally, people should not go swimming in public areas if they are experiencing diarrhea. Also, fruits and vegetables (either from one's garden or imported from other countries) should be washed with clean water before eating. People can also help lower the risk of acquiring a waterborne illness by avoiding unpasteurized fruit drinks and unpasteurized milk. Click here for more information on preventing waterborne diseases.

Coccidioidomycosis
The number of reported coccidioidomycosis cases (including suspected cases) in June was higher than expected. Coccidioidomycosis is a disease caused by the fungus Coccidioides immitis, which lives in soil and is found in certain areas of the southwestern U.S. C. immitis can cause disease in people with healthy immune systems and people of all ages. Risk factors for Utah residents include living in or traveling through parts of the state where the fungus grows. The number of coccidioidomycosis cases reported varies from year to year and may be affected by rainfall and soil conditions. Click here for more information about the disease.